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NIOSH

PROPYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0192

1,2-Epoxypropane
Methyloxirane
Methyl ethylene oxide
Propene oxide
CH3CHCH2O / C3H6O
Molecular mass: 58.1
ICSC # 0192 		CAS # 75-56-9
RTECS # TZ2975000
UN # 1280
EC # 603-055-00-4
March 17, 1995 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Extremely flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from acids, bases , oxidants . Cool.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Note: E
F+ symbol
T symbol
R: 45-46-12-20/21/22-36/37/38
S: 53-45
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: I
ICSC: 0192 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

PROPYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0192

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D

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize violently under the influence of bases, acids and metal chlorides with fire or explosion hazard. Reacts violently with chlorine, ammonia, strong oxidants, acids causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); SEN; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: skin absorption (H);
Carcinogen category: 2;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 100 ppm (240 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Ca 400 ppm See: 75569


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 34°C
Melting point: -104°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 40.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 59
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.0
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.6
Flash point: -37°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2-38.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.03

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1280 or 30GF1-I+II

NFPA Code: H2; F4; R2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0192 PROPYLENE OXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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